Israel Haifa Israeli & Middle Eastern Studies

CC Image courtesy of Simone Baldini on Flickr

Haifa is the technology hub of northern Israel and a picturesque mix of people and cultures. Students in the Israeli & Middle Eastern Studies Program spend a semester or year at the University of Haifa, considered one of the most pluralistic institutions of higher learning in the country. The program combines language study with other coursework and excursions in Israel. There are also internship opportunities; past placements have included such fields as medical services, archaeology, education, public relations, social work, conflict resolution, and women’s studies.

Requirements & Considerations

The University of Haifa International School’s admissions criteria require study abroad students to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Students with a GPA below a 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis and should contact BU Study Abroad before applying.

Curriculum

Pre-Semester Option

So that students can get the most out of their time in Israel, Boston University and the University of Haifa can often offer students opportunities to live in Israel and gain credit before the regular semester begins at no additional cost. These opportunities vary from semester to semester, but may include a study tour, intensive beginning Arabic language program, or an Ulpan (intensive Hebrew language program). Contact us for more information on these pre-semester options.

Required Courses

Students enroll in the University of Haifa's International School. Generally, each student takes four courses (ranging from three to six credit-hours each) during the regular semester: a course in Hebrew or Arabic language, a course related to the culture or history of Israel and the Middle East, and courses in the student's area of interest in the general liberal arts curriculum.

Required Course List

Subject areas include:

Communications

Education

Hebrew and Arabic Language

History

Law

Linguistics

Literature

Middle East Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies

Political Science

Psychology

Religious Studies

Sociology

Women's Studies

Students may also enroll in the Department of English Language & Literature, and art majors may enroll in the Department of Fine Arts. Students with sufficient Hebrew skills are encouraged to enroll directly in the regular courses offered at the University of Haifa.

Housing & Student Services

University Dormitory

Students have single rooms with their own bathroom and share a kitchen and common space with 5 other Israeli and international students. The rooms are fully furnished with a bed, desk, chair, bookshelf, and closet, and students are provided with bedding (pillow, pillowcase, two sheets, 1 blanket). There is a 24-hour security guard, and one room in each suite has a “secure” room with a heavy steel door and walls

Haifa is on the top of Mount Carmel with a sweeping view over the Mediterranean. It is adjacent to a national park in which students can run, and they can take an hour-long hike downhill to the “student beach.”

Students share a kitchen with Israeli and international students who are usually very happy to share their supplies.

Board is not included

The campus has a cafeteria, smaller eateries, and a weekly market

Laundry room in the building

Students can purchase a membership to the gym on campus, which is equipped with aerobic machines and weights. There is a library, a museum, and a student center with a bar and room for activities.